Wiki Category: Literature

Bashō no sei Bashō no sei (芭蕉精 – Plantain Spirit) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This particular creature is said to come from China where plantain trees are said to sometimes take human form and tell stories when they do. These[...]

Yonaki no ishi Yonaki no ishi (夜泣き石 – The Stone that Wails at Night) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This particular stone can be found in the Sayo no Nakayama pass in Enshū. The story around it says that a pregnant[...]

Senzaishū The Senzaishū (千載和歌集 – Collection of 1000 Years), known in full as the Sanzai Wakashū, was one of the Imperial Anthologies. Compiled in 1187 by Fujiwara no Shunzei it was revised and completed the following year.1 Poets included Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A[...]

Shinchokusenshū The Shinchokusenshū (新勅撰和歌集 – New Imperial Waka Collection), known in full as the Shinchokusen Wakashū was an Imperial Anthology compiled in 1235 by Fujiwara no Teika, including writing the preface.1 Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse”. St. Ives: Penguin Classics.[...]

Shikashū The Shikashū (詞花和歌集 – Collection of Verbal Flowers), known in full as the Shika Wakashū, was the 6th of the Imperial Anthologies and was compiled in 1151 by Fujiwara no Akisuke.1 A sequel to this anthology by the name of Shoku Shikashū was commissioned by Emperor Nijō, with Fujiwara no Kiyosuke asked to[...]

Shūishū The Shūishū (拾遺和歌集 – Collection of Waka Gleanings), known in full as the Shūi Wakashū was the 3rd of the Imperial Anthologies compiled between 1005-1011. Fujiwara no Kintō is known to have been involved in the editing of the collection.1 Included Poets Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: 1047AD Death: 1099AD Fujiwara no Michitoshi Fujiwara no Michitoshi (藤原 経平) lived from 1047 to 1099 and is know to have compiled the Goshūishū in 1086 of which he also wrote the preface.1 Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A[...]

Goshūishū The Goshūishū (後撰和歌集 – Later Collection of Waka Gleanings) which in full is known as the Goshūi wakashū, was an Imperial Anthology compiled in 1086 by Fujiwara no Michitoshi of which he also wrote the preface. Poems 58 in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu is a reply to Poem 708 from the Goshūishū.1 Footnotes[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poets Family: Birth: 1171AD Death: 1237AD Minamoto no Michitomo Minamoto no Michitomo (源 通具) lived from 1171 to 1237 and during his life became part of the Bureau of Poetry working with five others on the compilation of the Shin-Kokinshū.1 Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One[...]

Shin-Kokinshū The Shin-Kokinshū (新古今和歌集– New Collection of Waka Ancient and Modern), know in full as the Shinkokin Wakashū was the 8th Imperial Anthology to be commissioned and compiled. This particular compendium of waka was commissioned by the Retired Emperor Go-Toba and was initially shown to him in 1205 before final completion in 1210.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Mibu no Tadami (son) Birth: fl.893-920 Death: – Mibu no Tadamine Mibu no Tadamine (壬生忠岑) was a Heian poet who flourished between 893 and 920AD. He was the father of Mibu no Tadami and acted as one of the four compilers of the[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: – Death: c.925 Ōshikōchi no Mitsune Ōshikōchi no Mitsune (凡河内 躬恒) was a Heian poet who had a modest career in imperial bureaucracy, dying around 925. He was a renowned poet whose service were often requested by his friends as well as the[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Priest, Caligrapher Family: Henjo (father) Birth: fl. 9th/early 10th century. Death: – Priest Sosei Priest Sosei (素性 or 素性法師) was a waka poet, calligrapher and Priest who flourished around the end of the 9th and early 10th century. Prior to taking the name Sosei he[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Ōe no Otondo Birth: fl. c.889-c.923 Death: – Ōe no Chisato Ōe no Chisato (大江千里) was a waka poet and courtier who flourished between c.889-c.923. Coming from a prominent family1 he was the son of Ōe no Otondo3 and nephew to Ariwara no Narihira[...]

Himamushi-nyūdō Himamushi-nyūdō (火間蟲入道 – Firebug Monk) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. They are also called Himamushi-yonnyūdō. This creature is said to form from the spirits of people who had floated through their lives and wasted them, transforming after death. They are[...]

Fūri Fūri (風狸 – Wind Tanuki) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This four legged creature is said to be able to barrel up cliffs and trees as fast as a bird can fly when driven by the wind. The creature is[...]

Ōzatō Ōzatō (大座頭) is a man portrayed as a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. He was a shamisen player, who performed at brothels, dressed in ragged clothes, wooden sandals and clutching a wooden cane. He was said to wanders streets on stormy nights.[...]

Hatahito Hatahiro (機尋 – Loom Span) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This particular creature relates to a grudge which says: A womans husband left her and so she abandoned her loom. The grudge transformed her intro a great serpent twenty spans[...]

Kosode no te Kosode no te (小袖の手 – The Kimono’s Hands) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This creature relates to a part of a womens soul which is said to remain in the clothing and other items that she wore. With[...]

Jatai Jatai (蛇帯) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. This particular creature is said to come about from the obi sash that has been worn by a jealous woman. It is a poisonous snake capable of wrapping iteself around a victim seven[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Hikosajima (grandson) Birth: – Death: – Toyoki no Mikoto Toyoki no Mikoto is mentioned in the nihongi as the grandfather of Hikosajima, though the lineage is not made clear.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times[...]

Onihitokuchi Onihitokuchi (鬼一口 – One Swallow of an Oni) is the act of an Oni swallowing a person whole. It is included in yōkai compendiums including the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien. One such tale can be found in the Tales of Ise in which the unnamed protagonist of[...]

Kidōmaru Kidōmaru (鬼童丸, 鬼同丸) is a type of yōkai, more specifically an Oni. It has been depicted by various artists, including in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi by Toriyama Sekien; though he merely calls him Kidō. Artistically in Sekien’s illustration, the scabbard is given a tiger-striped design; which coupled with the ox[...]

Ayakashi Ayakashi (あやかし) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is portrayed by Toriyama Sekien as a sea creature with long tentacles said to dwell in the ‘Wester Sea.’ The tentacles themselves are so long they would take two to three days to slither[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Kumaso Leader Family: – Birth: – Death: – Torishikaya Torishikaya was one of the leaders of the Kumaso, leading one of the Kumaso Rebellions. Yamato Takeru is sent to deal with the threat, bringing several men with him. When he arrives, he disguises himself as a[...]

Azuma Kagami The Azuma Kagami (吾妻鏡/東鑑 – Mirror of Eastern Japan) is a very important literary account of the Kamakura Shogunate written in an awkward form of Chinese aside from a few letters and documents. Authorship for the book is believed to have been unknown shogunate scribes from the time.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Wohidari Wohidari is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is said to be the ancestor of the Yama no Ahiko. The Emperor is said to have arrived in the area of Ashikata,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kumatsuhiko the Younger (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kumatsuhiko the Elder Kumatsuhiko the Elder is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is presumably the brother of Kumatsuhiko the Younger and the two of them are requested by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kumatsuhiko the Elder (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kumatsuhiko the Younger Kumatsuhiko the Younger is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. He is presumably the brother of Kumatsuhiko the Elder and the two of them are requested by[...]

Gangikozō Gangikozō (岸涯小僧 – River Terrace Boy) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to catch fish by the river side. Eating them with teeth as sharp as rasps. A lot of wordplay is used in the name of this creature. gangi-yasuri is[...]

Kosamebō Kosamebō (小雨坊 – Drizzle Monk) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to live on Mount Ōmine and Mount Katsuragi and can be found begging for alms on nights with gentle rain.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online.[...]

Ameonna Ameonna (雨女 – Rain Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. Toriyama Sekien alludes in his portrayal of this woman that she is some form of rain spirit with the description alongside the creature stating: ‘I shall appear as a cloud to you in the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Minister? Family: Hinamori the Younger (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hinamori the Elder Hinamori the Elder is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. In the 18th year of his reign, during his time touring around Tsukushi, the Emperor sees a[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Minister? Family: Hinamori the Elder (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hinamori the Younger Hinamori the Younger is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Keikō in the nihongi. In the 18th year of his reign, during his time touring around Tsukushi, the Emperor sees a[...]

This page serves as a list of all the songs and poems of Emperor Keikō. Poems and Songs of Emperor Keikō Missing the Capital The nihongi records that in his 17th year of reign he vsited the Koyu District in Hyuga visiting the moors of Nimo there. Missing the capital[...]

Otogi Bōko The Otogi Bōko (御伽ばうこ – Hand Puppet Tales1) was a piece of kana-zōshi literature published in 1666 by Asai Ryōi. The book consists of 68 tales of which 21 were adapted from the Chinese novel, Jiangdeng xinhua.2 The books contains the first reference to the yōkai known as[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Kagurohime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Ohoyenomiko Ohoyenomiko (大江王) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Kagurohime. The kojiki says his mother was the daughter of Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko, who was the great-grandson of Yamato Takeru. This would have to be an error in[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Emperor Keikō (husband/great-great-grandfather?) Ohoyeonomiko (son) Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko (father) Birth: – Death: – Hikohitonoohoye Kagurohime (迦具漏比売) was one of several concubines of Emperor Keikō and together they had a son called Ohoyenomiko. The kojiki says she was the daughter of Sumeiroohonakatsuhiko who was the great-grandson of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Unknown mother Birth: – Death: – Wakakinoiribiko Wakakinoiribiko (若木之入日子王) is mentioned in the kojiki as the son of Emperor Keikō with an unnamed concubine.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York:[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Emperor Keikō (husband) Kunisewake (son) Toyotowake (son) Kunichiwake (son) Birth: – Death: – Sonotakebime Sonotakebime (襲武媛) was one of the several wives of Emperor Keikō. Together they had three sons by the name of Kunisewake, Toyotowake and Kunichiwake according to the nihongi.1 The kojiki list another[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nunaki no Iratsume Nunaki no Iratsume was the daughter of Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nunoshi no Iratsume Nunoshi no Iratsume (渟熨斗皇女) was the daughter[...]

Aoandō Aoandō (青行燈 – The Blue Lantern) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to appear when the shadows flare as the last candle goes out and the room becomes plunged into darkness. Toriyama Sekien in his depiction of the creature mentions[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Wakayamatoneko Wakayamatoneko (稚倭根子皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Kagoyorihime (sister) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Kibinoehiko Kibinoehiko (吉備兄彦皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (brother) Ihokiirihiko (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Ōsuwake (brother) Nunoshi no Iratsume (sister) Nunaki no Iratsume (sister) Ihokiirihime (sister) Oshiwake (brother) Isakinoirihiko (brother) Kibinoehiko (brother) Takakinoirihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Kagoyorihime Kagoyorihime (香依姫皇女) was the daughter of Emperor[...]

Minobi Minobi (蓑火 – Raincoat Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi, also known as mino-mushi. This was a phenomenon in folklore which stated mino raincoats would at times spark during the rain. The only way to stop this was to remove the mino, but[...]

Kazenbō Kazenbō (火前坊 – Bonze Before the Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to rise form the bones of those interred on Mount Toribe when smoke rises over the mountain. This site was also the area where Buddhist monks practised[...]

Oboro-guruma Oboro-guruma (朧車 – Gloom Cart) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. It is depicted as a travelling cart with a giant face. In essence it is not truly a creature, but a manefestation of the grudges of those who would try to find the best[...]

Momiji-gari Momiji-gari (紅葉狩 – Momiji Hunting) is a depiction of a woman with a connection to a particular demoness in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. In this depiction she is shown in a mountain, holding a long-handled sake pot. This particular creature relates to the Demoness known as Kijo (a possible[...]

Meigetsuki The Meigetsuki (明月記), also known as the Shōkōki, was the diary of Fujiwara no Teika. Written in Chinese (kambun) there are many copies which have survived to this day with different variations to them. The diary itself covers the years 1180-1235. In the text, much discussion is given to[...]

Gosen Wakashū The Gosen Wakashū (後撰和歌集, Later Collection of Japanese Poems), often abbreviated to the Gosenshū, was a Japanese compendium of poetry and the second of the official Imperial Anthologies. Creation The anthology was created under the orders of Emperor Murakami (r.946-967) and though the completion date is unsure it[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tsuchiworiwiwori Tsuchiworiwiwori was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Mimitari Mimitari was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hanatari Hanatari was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Asahagi Asahagi was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. When the Emperor comes to Tsukushi to defeat the rebelling Kumaso, a chieftain by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Kunimaro Kunimaro was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor that[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yata Yata was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor that[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Uchizaru Uchizaru was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Shira Shira was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Awo Awo was a member of the Kumaso Clan/Tsuchigumo which dwelt on the island of Tsukushi and we see him mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A female Chieftain called Hayatsuhime reveals to the Emperor[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Chieftain Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hayatsuhime Hayatsuhime was a part of the Kumaso Clan residing on the island of Tsukushi mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Keikō. She reveals that there are Tsuchigumo by the names of Awo and Shira living[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Kagehime (wife) Takeuchi no Sukune (son) Birth: – Death: – Yanushioshihodakewogoro Yanushioshihodakewogoro (屋主忍男武雄心命) is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Keikō. A divination was made to see if the Emperor should go to Kii to make sacrifice to all the kami. After an unlucky[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (mother) Yamato Takeru (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Kushitsunuwake (brother) Kamukushi (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ōsu Ōsu (大碓皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume. He was the twin of Yamato Takeru having[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Keikō (husband) Ōsu (son) Yamato Takeru (son) Wakayamatoneko (son) Kushitsunuwake (son) Kamukushi (son) Inabi no waka Iratsume (sister) Birth: – Death: – Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (播磨稲日大郎姫) was the Empress of Emperor Keikō and together they had several[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Mie Prefecture Founded: 4BCE Affiliation: Shinto Ise Grand Shrine The Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, located in Mie Prefecture. It is supposedly the resting place of the Sacred Mirror and was established by Yamatohime. Mythological Origins During[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Sonotakebime (mother) Kunichiwake (brother) Kunisewake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Toyotowake Toyotowake (豊戸別皇子) was the son of Emperor Keikō and Sonotakebime according to the nihongi.1 The kojiki states that he was the son of Keikō and ‘another concubine.’2 He is stated[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Amenohihoko (husband) Tajima Mori (son) Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Mata no wo Mata no wo is stated in the nihongi to have been the wife of Amenohihoko and together they had a son by the name of Tajima Mori. The nihongi also states[...]

The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa The Stone of the Five Colours and the Empress Jokwa is one of Japanese many folktales. Synopsis Empress Jokwa suceeds her brother Emperor Fuki, and stories about her said she once fixed the broken sky and the pillars which hold up[...]

Longevity Longevity (Chosei Furo – 長生不老) is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centered around a man known as Sentarō. Synopsis This tale has also been given the name of The Man who did not wish to die and goes as follow. There was a man called Sentarō and[...]

How an Old Man Lost his Wen How an Old Man Lost his Wen, known in Japanese as Kobutori Jiisan (こぶ取り爺) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis There was an old man who had a lump (wen) growing out of his cheek and after seeking out many doctors and medicine none[...]

The Monkey and the Crab The Monkey and the Crab (さるかに合戦 saru kani gassen) is one of many Japanese folktales. Synopsis One day a monkey and a crab were playing on the beach. The crab found a rice-dumpling and the monkey a persimmon-seed. The monkey did not want the seed, but[...]

The Clever Boar and Monkey The Clever Boar and Monkey (賢い猿と猪) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province in Shinshin there was a man who travelled around making a living by taking a monkey and around and making it do tricks. One day he returns home angry, saying[...]

The Oni of Adachigahara The Oni of Adachigahara is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centering around an evil oni. Synopsis In Mutsu there was said to be oni who took the form of an old woman. People would go missing in the area and it was thought she was[...]

The Mirror of Matsuyama The Mirror of Matsuyama, known in Japanese as Matsuyama kagami (松山鏡) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province of Echigo lived a man and a wife who had one daughter aged seven. One day the man finds himself summoned to the capital in Kyoto,[...]

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in Japanese known as the Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語) is one of the famous folktales from Japan. Synopsis There was an old man and woman who had no child. He would go every day and cut bamboo and made[...]

Kintarō Kintarō (金太郎) is a Japanese folktale centered around the life of a boy with the same name as the story. There are several versions of this tale and as we come across more of them we will add them to the website. Synopsis There was a man called Kintoki who[...]

Hanasaka Jiji Hanasaka Jiji (花咲か爺) also called Hanasaka Jiisan (花咲か爺さん) is a folktale of Japan centred around a man who can make trees bloom. It has been translated into english as ‘The Story of the Old Man who made Withered Trees to Flower.’ There are many verisons of the tale (and[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tajima Mori Tajima Mori (田道間守) is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Suinin, and is said to be the ancestor of the Miyake no muraji.12 He is stated in the nihongi as being the son of Amenohihoko[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: ōkannushi Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōhatanushi Ōhatanushi is seen mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki where it states he was made the first Head Priest (ōkannushi) of the Ise Grand Shrine.1 Footnotes 1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Sarudabiko (ancestor) Birth: – Death: – Otanomikoto Otanomikoto also known as Okitama was a man mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki. He is said to have been a descendant of Sarudabiko and met with Yamatohime. During the establishment of the area to be used for the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess / Established the Ise Shrine Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Inishikinoiribiko (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohime Yamatohime (倭比売命 / 倭姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime and is creditted with the establishment of the Ise Grand Shrine.1[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Five Daibu / saishu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ohokashima Ohokashima is a mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin. He is said to have been one of the Five Daibu alongside Hikokunifuku, Takehi no Muraji, Tochine no Ōmuraji and Takenumakahawake. They are gathered by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: General Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yatsunada Yatsunada was a general of Emperor Suinin and is seen mentioned in the nihongi. In the fifth year of the Emperors reign, Sahobiko, brother to the Emperors wife Sahobime approached his sister asking who is most dearest to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Mata no wo (wife) Tajima Mori (son) Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Amenohihoko Amenohihoko/Amanohihoko (天之日矛) was a prince from Silla who visit Japan during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin’s reign, it is said he decided to dwell in the land of Tajima[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Ikobayawake (son) Azamitsuhime (daughter) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Azaminoiribime Azaminoiribime (薊瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Nutarashiwake (daughter) Igatarashihiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Matonuhime (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Nubatanoiribika Nubatanoiribika (渟葉田瓊入媛) was the daughter[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Yehime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Utakorihime Utakorihime (歌凝比売命) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi.12 She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother?) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Otohime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Yehime Yehime (媛) was the daughter of Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Kaguyahime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Wozabe Wozabe (袁那弁王) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Kaguyahime. This is related in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

For the woman from folklore see: Kaguya Hime. Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Wife Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Wozabe (son) Ohotsutsukitarine (father) Birth: – Death: – Kaguyahime Kaguyahime (迦具夜比売命) was the wife of Emperor Suinin and together the had a son by the name of Wozabe. This is seen in the kojiki. She[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Azamitsuhime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Inasebiko Inasebiko (?) is said to have been the husband of Azamitsuhime according to the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press. 2. Chamberlain, B.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yamanobe no Ohotaka Yamanobe no Ohotaka is a man seen in the kojiki during the exploits to try and get Prince Homutsuwake to speak. Though the prince had grown into a man he still could not speak, however, one[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Sahobime (mother) Hinagahime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Homutsuwake Homutsuwake (誉津別命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Sahobime.123 Birth Nihongi Version Homutsuwake was born prior to the assassination attempt on his father’s life by his mother. His mother, mourning that[...]

Enenra Enenra (烟々羅 – Smokenet) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature was the smoke cast from fire to repel mosquitos away from the house of a poor man. The ‘En’ uses the kanji for smoke, with ‘Ra’ using the an archaic term for[...]

Kerakeraonna Kerakeraonna (倩兮女 – Cackling Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. She is depicted as some kind of giantess who is seen cackling over a wall. It appears that Sekien has merged two concepts together in the portrayal of this creature. A huge character[...]

Kageonna Kageonna (影女 – Shadow Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is the shadow of a woman which is cast on the shoji doors in haunted houses.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]

Jakotsubaba Jakotsubaba (蛇骨婆 – Snakebone Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story concerning this creature related by Toriyama Sekien says that perhaps it comes from northern China as there are people there who bear a blue snake in their right hand and a[...]

Oshiroibaba Oshiroibaba (白粉婆 – Face Powder Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to be the handmaiden of the kami for beni and oshiroi (lipstick and facepowder) by the name of Jifun-senjō. In his depiction of this creature Sekien partly quotes[...]

Kokuribaba Kokuribaba (古庫裏婆 – Hag in the House) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to have been the wife of a head priest from several generations ago. Now she spends her time stealing the money and offerings made to the temple and[...]